An Algoma farm will have to explore other financing options for its proposed expansion after the Kewaunee County Board rejected an industrial development revenue bond financing resolution last week.

El-Na Farms is proposing to construct a new barn, milking parlor, and a manure management system to accommodate an additional 3,000 cows at its current operation. If approved, the financing arrangement would have allowed El-Na Farms to issue up to $15 million in bonds through the county to help finance the project. Industrial development revenue bonds are often used by local governments to support private investment, create construction jobs, and boost local economic activity without putting county tax dollars at risk.

Kewaunee County Board Chair Dan Olson, who supported the resolution, says opposition to the resolution centered on adding more cows to a county where cattle already outnumber people by nearly 5-to-1, according to government data.

Olson adds that the board's decision last Tuesday does not prevent the project from moving forward.

Even if the financing resolution had been approved, the project would still have needed approval from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and local zoning authorities before construction could begin.

The Kewaunee County Board also approved contracts for the renovation and construction of its highway facilities and accepted conservation aid for Bruemmer Park during the meeting.